Thule Luggage Review for 2022

Thule is a brand that has been around for decades and focuses on a love of the great outdoors. Originally known for its products like bike racks and roof racks, Thule also has a wide range of luggage options for the adventurous traveler. 

This brand’s priority is providing durable, high quality products that are safe to use, stylish, and most importantly, sustainable. Their efforts to reduce impact on climate and the environment are to be commended - through innovation, Thule is able to give customers peace of mind that the products they purchase are in line with world sustainability initiatives and are an ethical choice for those concerned with climate change. 

We at Travel Merak are passionate about any luggage brand that can provide sustainability. In this review, we take a look at the highlights of the Thule luggage brand and provide recommendations for travel products that we love from Thule!

Durability and Quality

The luggage from Thule is known for its durability, high quality materials, and comes with plenty of features. Its typical design is big and packed with features, including a separate carry-on laptop bag and a big packing cube. The company also works hard to improve its luggage and continually develops new features and designs to enhance its products. While it may not be the best choice for every traveler, it is still a solid option for travelers who like a rugged, stylish travel bag and those who plan to take their Thule products on a variety of outdoor adventures.

Thule products are perfect for the traveler who is focused on sustainable options that still offer incredible durability and quality. The products are designed with improved resistance to corrosion and easy repair (by offering replacement or repair of important components). Additionally, Thule offers a limited lifetime warranty for several of its products, so you can rest assured that their great customer service team will be able to assist you if you ever run into an issue with your Thule purchase. 

A unique feature of Thule is that their products are put to the ultimate test at the Thule Test Center. Each product is put through a rigorous series of tests to ensure its quality and durability will last through even the most extreme conditions. Thule has over twenty-five standards of testing that its products must make it through before they are passed along to consumers. Knowing all the testing behind Thule can put your mind at ease that you are purchasing an incredibly reliable and durable product.

Sustainability

Thule is focused on reducing its impact on the climate and environment through a variety of sustainability efforts. Their goal is to provide high quality and durable products to its customers, while making sure the impact on the environment and climate is reduced. Thule not only focuses on the impact from its products, but from its facilities and supply chain as well. 

Thule is an active member of the UN Global Compact, which is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, requiring companies to commit to principles of universal sustainability in human rights, environment, anti-corruption, and labor. 



Additionally, Thule focuses on the human aspect of business. Their suppliers are vetted to ensure they align with Thule’s sustainability practice, but also that they provide good working conditions and are not violating any human rights. Thule also has strict standards of ethics for their own company, promoting an inclusive and open work environment. Travel Merak gives Thule huge brownie points for this one!

Thule Backpack

The Thule Aion backpack makes for a great option for those looking for a backpack that is easy to carry while trekking, but still carry-on compliant. With 40L of carrying capacity, this backpack provides ample storage space. A great feature of this product is the TPU roll top bag that is removable, giving you the option to store any items that might be wet or dirty and prevent them from touching your clean clothes. 

With both interior and exterior zippered pockets, you can store your smaller items and keep them within reach easily. There is even a padded storage compartment for your laptop or other tech items. Compression straps inside the backpack make it easy to secure your items while you travel, and a side sleeve for your water bottle provides quick access while you are on the go. 

With its durable canvas shell fabric, the Aion backpack will be sure to keep your items dry and secure, no matter where your travels take you.

Dimensions (L x W x H): 13 x 9.1 x 20.5 inches

Weight: 3.19 pounds

Thule Luggage

The Thule Subterra Carry-On Spinner is a great travel companion for those searching for a minimalistic carry-on. The no frills design is perfect for any traveler, and the bag comes with several features that make it extremely easy to pack and travel with.

The Subterra Carry-on is made with water-resistant, durable materials to ensure your belongings stay dry. The compression panel allows you to pack more in less space, especially if this will be your main travel bag. We really like the oversized rear wheels, a unique feature that provides additional stability when rolling your bag over rough terrain. 

This bag’s compartments provide you with flexibility to choose whether to pack your items in one large compartment or in two separate ones. Additionally, the front zip pocket is the perfect storage place for any smaller items you need quick and easy access to during your travels.

Dimensions (L x W x H): 9.0 x 14.0 x 21.7 inches

Weight: 7.6 pounds

Image courtesy: Thule

Thule Duffel Bag

Thule’s Subterra Wheeled Duffel Bag is one of the best options we’ve found for those needing ample storage space for longer trips. With 56L of packing space, you can comfortably pack up to a month’s worth of necessities (or more if you are a packing wizard)! The option to use this as a duffel or rolling suitcase is great for times when your bag is just too heavy to carry. 

One of the most interesting features of this bag is that you can split the duffel into two bags, both which can be used as a carry-on instead of checked luggage. Three bag options for the price of one? Sounds like a great deal to us. 

With plenty of options for packing, oversized wheels for easy maneuvering on rough terrain, and an exterior strap to connect additional bags, the Subterra Wheeled Duffel Bag is a solid option for travelers embarking on longer trips.

Dimensions (L x W x H): 14.2 x 14.6 x 21.7 inches

Weight: 7.6 pounds

Thule Stroller

While not technically a luggage item, I felt that the Thule Urban Glide 2 Jogging Stroller deserved an honorable mention in this review for any parents traveling with small children. Designed and tested by Thule, the stroller has all of the features you could want in a stroller, especially for traveling. A five point harness keeps your child in place and the protective canopy shields your child from the elements. The canopy also has side ventilation and a peekaboo window to easily check on your child. A large cargo basket and three mesh compartment give you plenty of space to store your things and of course, toys, snacks, and other essentials for your little one.

The design of this stroller is made with comfort and safety in mind. The swivel front wheel makes the stroller easy to maneuver, while the integrated hand brake allows for one-handed speed control in case you are adventuring through rough terrain. A built-in suspension system provides a smooth ride for both parent and child. The stroller is easily collapsable with one hand and the compact storage design makes it a great option for travel. This allows you to quickly collapse the stroller at gate check if you plan on flying with and using the stroller at your destination.

The stroller has an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon with over a thousand reviews. I think this is a perfect option for traveling parents looking for a durable and easy to use stroller for not only traveling, but everyday use.

Colors Available: Black, Dark Shadow, Cypress Green, Majolica Blue, Grey Melange

Folded Dimensions: 34.2" x 27.2" x 13.3"

Handlebar Height: 35.5" - 44"

Stroller Weight: 25.3 pounds

Weight Capacity: 75 pounds

Thule Luggage Review Final Thoughts

While Thule’s initial products were focused on bike racks and other outdoor gear, their luggage products have really shown how great of a company Thule is. They provide durable, quality luggage and we have to commend them on their sustainability efforts. While their products can be more expensive than competitors, Travel Merak thinks Thule is a great investment for the adventurous traveler looking for a bag that will last them years (and many adventures) to come. 

Our rating: 4.6/5

Pros

• Focus on sustainability
• High quality materials and durability
• Products tested thoroughly at Thule Test Center
• Plenty of storage space
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

• Can be pricey
• Limited variety in bag designs

Read about Travel Merak's product rating methodology.